Word Origin & History

curry late 13c., "to rub down a horse," from Anglo-Fr. curreier "to curry-comb a horse," from O.Fr. correier "put in order, prepare, curry," from con- intens. prefix + reier "arrange," from a Gmc. source. The surviving sense of curry favor is c.1510, altered by folk etymology from curry favel (c.1400) from O.Fr. correier fauvel "to be false, hypocritical," lit. "to curry the chestnut ('fawn-colored') horse," which in medieval French allegories was a symbol of cunning and deceit.

Example Sentences for curry

We could have mock-turtle soup, a sole, curry, and roast duck.

And when the curry made its appearance he suddenly retired in great disorder.

It was put there by Old Man Curry just before the bugle blew.

"I visited a while with the children of Israel," said Curry gravely.

In case Mr. Curry had any doubts about Elisha, what other horse did he favour?

Old Man Curry fumbled in his pocket and produced a roll of bills.

Old Man Curry's tone was apologetic and conciliating in the extreme.

"I dunno's there was ever anything wrong with his heart," said Old Man Curry.